#tannyhill

The outer banks chose to bless its community with a beautiful, bright day. The sun was shining and only a small group of white clouds littered the afternoon sky. The birds were chirping and the wind whispering through the cracked balcony door of the Cameron estate. The feeling of this place had somewhat become familiar and comforting despite the obvious differences between what she was used to back on the cut.

The memory foam mattress and fluffy soft pillows were a long way from the thin bouncy mattress and lumpy, flat pillows Sofia was used to. It was hard not to get a good night's sleep when she was here. It wasn't unwelcome and she wasn't opposed to admitting that outright.

She was raised to accept and appreciate every little thing she had because someone somewhere always had it worse. She had a love-hate relationship with that mantra. Love because she knew her father was right. Someone always did have it worse, and it was a humble thing to practice. Hate because it made her feel like she didn't have a right to want more for herself, to dream that someday she wouldn't struggle like they did. So yeah, she loved waking up in a squeaky-clean room with a king-sized bed and balcony to welcome the mornings and bid a due to the nights.

Her eyes finally fluttered open after her brain was trying to pull her from the deep sleep, she had been in. The sunlight had been the main thing that had woken her but as her hand flitted across the satin sheets expecting to meet warm, smooth skin, she only found an empty, cool space. She turned her head the opposite way, her eyes landing on the empty space Rafe typically resided in. A small frown settled upon her lips as she looked around the room until her eyes settled on the balcony door which had been left just barely open. A soft string of cigarette smoke hit her senses, and it became clear that he had woken up before her and stepped out for a smoke.

He didn't smoke often but she hated that he did it at all, constantly reminding him it was a cancer stick and that he needed to break the habit. He would of course grumble that he was fully aware and would quit but surely, he wouldn't and clearly, he didn't.

She gently pushed the covers off of her body and slid her feet out of the bed and onto the hardwood floor. She stood up and stretched her body out to ease the tension in her muscles before padding over to the balcony and easing the door open. There he was, leaning against the railing facing away from her, smoking a cigarette with slow drags. He was shirtless which wasn't unusual in the morning, but the sight of his muscular back wasn't unwelcome.

She crossed the threshold from the bedroom onto the balcony and into the coolish morning air, the breeze brushing through her messy hair. She stepped up right beside him and flicked her gaze to his face. "Morning." She spoke softly and the sound of her sudden voice caught his attention as his eyes immediately down casted to meet hers, a slow smirk creeping onto his lips. "Good morning, beautiful. You sleep, okay?" He asked gruffly as he brought the cigarette to his lips to take yet another slow drag before inhaling and then turning his head to exhale away from her face. Sweet. Thoughtful.

She nodded in response to his question, pushing some hair behind her ears before she spoke. "Yeah, I did. I always do when I'm here." He leaned over to throw the remainder of his cig into the ashtray that was sitting on the outside table just to the left of them. "Good." He mumbled, then stepped forward to place a firm kiss to her forehead before heading back inside. She couldn't deny the gesture placed a flicker of confusion inside her head because he had always been sweet to her, kind, but never romantic. Although she had to admit the last few times they've hung out, she felt a shift between them. Or at least she thought she did.

Choosing to ignore it for now, she followed him back inside and shut the balcony door, locking it out of habit from the drilling her dad planted from living on the cut. 'Mija, lock the door. Out here, people are desperate enough to steal anything they can.' So that's what she did everywhere she went.

She watched as Rafe grabbed his discarded shirt from the night before off of the floor and flipping it back to its normal position before slipping it on and turning to face her. "You hungry?" He asked as he pulled his phone off the charger, dropping it into his sweatpants. "I'm not cooking but thought I could get some breakfast delivered if you want." He offered with a small shrug like her decision wouldn't matter either way. Breakfast wasn't typically a topic that came up often when they hooked up and she slept over. The last time, it had been brought up but she had to go home to get ready for work and it never really crossed her mind again until a week later, today. It still sent doubt and misunderstanding through her brain because she never thought your hook ups generally offered breakfast, but she couldn't find it in her to complain when she would grab at the chance to spend any kind of time with him. She liked him. a lot.

She knew it was a grave mistake, falling for someone who would never see her as more than another one of his conquests, a notch on a long belt but he was so different around her than what everyone else claimed he was. Violent, aggressive, entitled. Not with her. With her, he treated her gently, like she was fragile. Sure, the sex could get rough but always with her consent and it always involved aftercare. It was hard not to catch feelings for Rafe Cameron; in fact, it was almost expected but everyone knew he wasn't the type to reciprocate. Although many have tried to change him, no one has succeeded and it wasn't like she thought she would be the one to do it, she knew better but it didn't stop the flutter that remained in her stomach whenever they hung out.

"Yeah. Yeah, I could eat." She replied after a beat, her eyes lingering on him as he nodded and pulled his phone back out, assumingly to order the food. He sat on the edge of the bed and searched up one of the more common breakfast places in figure 8. Expensive, rich food. The kind she wasn't used to nor had ever had. She swallowed as she planted herself next to him and looked over at hos phone. "I don't know if i can afford that." She admitted in a soft tone that was laced with slight embarrassment. That caused a reaction out of him as he looked down at her face, his gaze flicking from her eyes to her lips then back to her eyes. "I didn't ask if you could afford it, Sof. I wouldn't offer to order food then make you pay for it." His response made her feel all kinds of things she'd rather not but instead of making that obvious, she just nodded. "Thank you. Chocolate chip pancakes and some hashbrowns would be good."

His tongue darted out to wet his lips before leaning in and pressing a kiss to hers, firm yet still gentle. She returned the kiss instantaneously but it didn't last long before he pulled back, muttered a quick "okay" and focused on placing their order.

The confusion only deepened when he so casually kissed her like they were together and it was an obvious decision he made, to kiss her in passing. But none of it made sense to her. The forehead kiss, the breakfast, now kissing her without it leading to sex? She was a Pogue. He was a kook. Their worlds did not collide on top of the fact that he made it abundantly clear that he hated the Pogues. He didn't hate her, that much was obvious considering she was in his room and next to him but he would never choose to be with one. Plus, he didn't date so why was he doing things that people in relationships do?

His voice shattered her thoughts, pulling her out of whatever trance she was in. "It'll be here in 30 minutes. You want coffee?" He asked as he stood up and stretched, the shirt revealing his V-line. Her eyes darted to it before following him to stand. "God yes. I always want coffee." She said in dramatics which caused him to grin and shake his head. "Alright let's go." He mumbled before leading her out of the safe confines of his room, down the grand staircase and into the huge kitchen.

The kitchen was as modern as modern could be. Kitchen island, high top stools, marble countertops. She had been in here before of course for water mainly, but it never ceased to amaze her that this was his daily life. He must have caught her glancing around because he grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. Her eyes snapped to his immediately and didn't miss the way he looked at her, like she was something prized. It threw her for a loop the way his eyes roamed her face. "God you're beautiful." He muttered, taking her chin in his fingers and lifting her face up at an angle. Her heart practically leapt out of her chest at the gesture. What the fuck???

Her breath caught in her throat and just as he was leaning in to kiss her again, she pulled back from his embrace. "What are we doing?" She blurted out, the question blunt and clear but not demanding. A flash of irritation swept across his face as his jaw set into a thin line, his muscles suddenly taut. "What do you mean? I was trying to kiss you and you just freaked out."

She shook her head as if trying to deny his simple explanation to the situation as if she hadn't been losing her mind since the forehead kiss on the balcony. "No. You know what I mean, Rafe. I mean this. Us." She reiterated, using her hands to gesture between them. "I just feel like things have been different between us the last few times I've been over and I can't tell if I'm going crazy or just reading it wrong, but I'm confused and I don't want to be." She allowed the words to spill from her mouth; a weight being lifted from admitting her worries and wonders.

He didn't respond for a couple of moments, opting instead to stare at her like a deer in headlights. She didn't know if he couldn't think of what to say or just was trying to find a way out of the conversation, but she couldn't do anything but stand there and wait. She shrugged once and shook her head again. "I mean, the kisses unprompted and buying me food and just wanting me to hangout. It's not like I'm saying I'm not okay with it, I am but you told me when we met that you wanted a hook up. Something casual. But this stopped feeling casual weeks ago, Rafe."

"I don't know what you want me to say, Sofia." He offered after another beat of silence, shrugging like there was nothing he could say to ease her concerns. She scoffed slightly and then took a deep breath as she wrung her hands together. "I don't know. Literally anything. I'm confused and conflicted and I hate it. Because I like a lot and I know how stupid I am to have let it get this far but I can't help it and a part of me thinks maybe you feel it too but then all I can think is that I'm the last girl you'd ever want anything serious with." "sofia-" He had started to say but she cut him off with a wave of her hand. "No. I know. I know that we hang out to hook up. I know that and I've been okay with it. I'm still okay with it but you're making this complicated with the added affection and it's messing with me and I-"

"Sofia, shut up." He effectively cut her off as he closed the distance between them in three long strides, his hands coming up to cradle her face. "Just shut up. Are you that oblivious?" He asked her, ignoring the offended look on her face as he stroked her cheeks with his thumbs. "Don't answer that. Just listen. I know what we signed up for. I know what we agreed on but God Sofia, you have to know how different things are now." He muttered the words in such a way that showed how serious and desperate was. "No, I really don't because you don't communicate with me and it's your worst habit." She shot back and sighed heavily in frustration when his response was to smirk. Of course he would think this was funny. "I'm glad you find this amusing."

"Sorry. No, I don't find it funny. You're just cute but listen sofia." He said, forcing her eyes to meet his, switching from playful to serious in a matter of seconds. "This stopped being a hookup to me a while ago and you're right. I'm terrible at communication and I guess just hoped you would catch on and go with it which was stupid." He admitted with a chuckle laced with a scoff. "But you being a Pogue doesn't mean shit to me, alright?" He said as one hand moving to her waist while the other remained planted on her cheek. "Sure, I have my own beef with the Pogues but you being one doesn't deter me. I like you. I want something with you."

His confession sent a rush of feelings through her veins like an antidote being administered after suffering from a sickness for days on end. A soft bated breath fell from her lips as her eyes softened. "You do?" She asked wanting to be absolutely sure she had heard him correctly. He nodded and pressed his forehead to hers. "You are not just a quick screw for me, Sof. You're more than that." He mumbled, keeping her close and warm in his arms. "I want you to be more than that, if you'll let me."

"I want more than that, too." She said in agreeance as her hands finally came up to touch his face, her own lifting in an angle so she could capture his lips. There was no hesitation in his response, just lips locking and moving together in a way that felt different from all the other times. His hand moved into her hair and titled her head back further so he could deepen the kiss, and they would find that neither of them had any objections. Just two people who miscommunicated and now wanted to do this right.

“Oh, come on, Y/N, you might find you enjoy it once you give it a chance,” Rafe said, shooting her a playful grin.

Topper nudged his sister with a knowing look. “Watch out, Rafe’s on one of his ‘flirt with Y/N’ kicks today.”

Rafe’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Guilty as charged. Can’t help it when someone’s so charming.”

Y/N felt her cheeks warm slightly but quickly masked it with a grin. “I’ll try not to let it distract me from my game.”

As they set up for their round of golf, the playful banter continued. Rafe stayed close to Y/N, offering unsolicited but well-intentioned advice on her swing. His hands brushed against hers more than once, and each touch sent a shiver up her spine. Topper, ever the watchful brother, kept an eye on the interaction, clearly uncomfortable with Rafe’s proximity to his sister.

“Seriously, Rafe,” Topper said as he watched Y/N line up a shot. “Maybe give her some space?”

Rafe chuckled, stepping back with a mock apology. “Just trying to be helpful. I promise I’ll give her all the space she needs… once she’s perfecting her swing.”

Y/N shot a warning glance at Topper but couldn’t hide a smile when Rafe’s gaze lingered on her.

The day went by with the usual competitive spirit, but the flirtation between Y/N and Rafe was unmistakable, much to Topper’s chagrin.

By late afternoon, the sun began to set, and the group made their way back to Tannyhill for the party Rafe had been planning. Rafe’s family was away, and it was clear he was looking forward to making it a memorable night.

The house was already buzzing with activity when they arrived. Music pulsed through the speakers, and the scent of grilled food filled the air. People were spread across the lawn, enjoying drinks and laughter. Rafe led Y/N and the rest of the group through the crowd and into the kitchen, where he poured drinks with a flourish.

“Cheers to a great day!” Rafe toasted, clinking his glass against Y/N’s.

Y/N’s heart fluttered as their glasses met, and she took a sip of her drink, feeling the effects of the alcohol quickening. Rafe’s gaze was intense as he watched her, his attention unwavering.

“Want another?” Rafe asked, already reaching for the bottle.

“Sure, why not?” Y/N replied, her voice a little slurred from the drink she’d just had.

As the evening progressed, Rafe and Y/N took shots together, laughing and enjoying the effects of the alcohol. The more they drank, the more their flirtation intensified. They danced together in the middle of the living room, their bodies pressed close as they swayed to the music. Rafe’s hands lingered on Y/N’s waist, his touch sending tingles up her spine. Y/N’s laughter was bright, mingling with Rafe’s deep chuckles.

At one point, Rafe leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. “You know, you’re even more incredible when you let loose.”

Y/N turned to him, her eyes slightly hazy but sparkling with amusement. “Is that so? You must be quite the expert.”

Rafe grinned, his eyes dark with desire. “I’ve been known to have a good eye for things.”

They clinked their glasses together, taking another round of shots. The alcohol made everything feel more vivid and exciting, and the connection between them felt electric. Rafe’s hand brushed against Y/N’s as they walked through the house, heading for a quieter spot. They found themselves in a dimly lit hallway, the party noise fading into the background.

“Want to get away from the crowd for a bit?” Rafe asked, his voice low and inviting.

Y/N felt a thrill of excitement. “Sure, where to?”

Rafe’s grin widened as he took her hand. “I’ve got a place in mind.”

They navigated through the bustling house, passing groups of people taking shots, dancing, and laughing. The energy of the party was electric, but Rafe and Y/N were focused on each other. As they climbed the staircase, Y/N could hear the upbeat music and the sound of people dancing below. Rafe led her down a dimly lit hallway and opened the door to a guest bathroom.

Once inside, Rafe’s lips were on hers, his kiss urgent and passionate. Y/N’s hands roamed over his back as she kissed him back, every touch sending electricity through her body. Rafe’s hands moved quickly, finding the hem of her dress and pushing it up. Y/N responded eagerly, her fingers gripping his shirt as they stumbled against the counter.

Their passion intensified as they fumbled with each other’s clothing. They were lost in each other, their breaths mingling as they exchanged heated kisses, their passion overtaking every thought. Their panting and moans blended with the intensity of their connection overwhelming the surroundings. The rest of the party faded into the background as they surrendered to the moment. The heat of the moment made it impossible to focus on anything but their connection.

But the moment was abruptly shattered by the sound of the door being flung open.

“What the hell?!” Topper stood in the doorway, his face a mix of shock and anger. Y/N and Rafe pulled apart, their breaths coming in quick, uneven gasps, quickly getting dressed again.

“Topper, I—” Y/N began, but Topper’s glare silenced her.

“Rafe, what the hell are you doing?” Topper demanded, his voice rising. “You’re supposed to be my friend.”

Rafe held up his hands in a defensive gesture. “Topper, calm down. It’s not what you think.”

“It’s exactly what I think,” Topper shot back, his eyes burning with fury. “You’re crossing a line.”

Rafe’s expression hardened. “Topper, don’t forget you were messing around with my sister my sister not long ago. You have no right to be judging this.”

The mention of Sara hit Topper like a punch to the gut.

Topper’s anger was palpable. “You’re not just gonna hurt her—you’re making a mess of everything. And I’m supposed to stand by while you do it?”

Rafe’s expression was a mix of guilt and frustration. “Topper, I never meant to—”

“Save it,” Topper interrupted, his voice cold. “I’m done here.”

With that, Topper stormed out, leaving Y/N and Rafe in the small, tense space of the bathroom. The door slammed behind him, and the sound of the party downstairs felt distant and hollow.

Y/N turned to Rafe, tears in her eyes. “I didn’t want this to be the outcome.”

Rafe reached out, hugging her, his expression earnest. “Neither did I. I really care about you, Y/N. I didn’t think…”

Y/N nodded, trying to steady her emotions. “I know. But right now, things are a mess. And we need to figure out how to handle it.”

As they rejoined the party, the vibrant energy around them felt like a stark contrast to the heavy conversation that had just taken place. Topper’s words and the implications of their actions lingered in Y/N’s mind, casting a shadow over the night’s festivities.

Y/N, overwhelmed by the evening's events and the emotional fallout with her brother, sought solace in a relentless stream of alcohol. She threw back shot after shot, hoping to numb the sting of her twin’s anger and the emotions she felt. As the night wore on, the alcohol took its toll. Her movements became increasingly unsteady, and her once clear thoughts were now a fog of inebriation.

Stumbling into the garden of Tannyhill, Y/N tried to find a quiet spot to escape the chaotic party. Her steps were wobbly, and she struggled to keep her balance. The cool night air did little to counter the haze of drunkenness that enveloped her.

Rafe, still reeling from the confrontation with Topper, wandered through the garden in search of Y/N. When he spotted her slouched against a garden wall, he rushed over. “Damn, girl, how much did you drink?” he joked, trying to lighten the situation. But before he could react further, Y/N lurched and began to vomit.

Seeing her so clearly distressed and sick made Rafe’s playful demeanor vanish instantly. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he knew he couldn’t handle this alone. He pulled out his phone and dialed Topper’s number, his voice urgent and edged with frustration. “Man, I know we’re in the middle of a fight, but your sister is wasted as hell. I need help getting her up to bed. Please, come down here.”

Topper arrived outside quickly, his face a mask of anger and worry. People at the party began to notice the commotion, their laughter and whispers adding to the mounting embarrassment. Topper’s eyes narrowed as he took in the scene—Y/N was slumped against the wall, her face pale and her condition dire.

“What the fuck did you give her, Rafe?” Topper yelled, his voice trembling with a mix of rage and concern. “I swear to God if you gave her coke—”

“Man, calm down!” Rafe shot back, frustration is evident in his tone. “You know I’m clean. She walked away after your outburst, and I found her like this. ''Now help me, damn it! Everyone is staring already.”

Topper’s anger flared but was quickly tempered by the urgency of the situation. He moved to Y/N’s side, helping Rafe support her as they guided her towards a quieter part of the house. The party’s noise faded as they focused on getting her the care she needed, all while the weight of the earlier arguments loomed large. “Up the stairs to my room,” Rafe instructed Topper.

Topper shook his head in disbelief. “Oh hell nah, she’s sleeping in the guest room.”

Rafe’s frustration boiled over. “Top, she’s going to vomit in her sleep and choke if she’s alone. Help me get her into my room and stop complaining for once. Remember, you’ve messed around with my sister too.”

Topper’s expression shifted, his anger giving way to concern. Realizing the gravity of Rafe’s point, he reluctantly helped as they carried Y/N up the stairs. The situation was dire, and despite their earlier confrontation, the priority now was ensuring Y/N’s safety. The weight of the night’s events settled heavily as they made their way through the house, determined to address the immediate need and put aside their differences.

A/N: Let me know if you want a Part 2. :)

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